Tuesday, 9 March 2010

Berths available at Thornham Marina in Chichester Harbour- An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Would you like to moor your boat at a small friendly Marina within Chichester Harbour? Then Thornham Marina is the place for you.Check out our website- Look at our blog, see what our boat owners have to say about us. If you like what you see and want to be a part of it, then call Laura or Jeanette on 01243 375335 or email info@thornhammarina.com.

You can moor your boat on one of our drying pontoon berths, on one of the pontoon berths within a deep water pool or on a swinging mooring in the Prinsted Channel. For berth holders free storage of boat trailers, cradles or dinghies is provided.

We also provide winter storage packages at competitive prices to suit your needs. Phone us on 01243 375 335 to discuss one of our cost effective packages, you won’t be disappointed!

You will find everything you need all in one place at Thornham Marina.We can offer you more than just Berthing or winter storage, read on to explore what Chichester Harbour and Thornham Marina has to offer:

Chichester Harbour is internationally recognised for its wildlife. There is an area of marshy grassland at the Eastern end of the Marina which is home to a diversity of wetland birds including waders. There is a car park nearby and an observation hide. In the summer, Chichester canal embraces a array of water plants and numerous different families of Coot, Mallard and Moorhen. Salterns Copse is an 8 acre woodland opposite the shoreline of Chichester harbour just North of the main lock. The wood is now separated into sections and coppiced on a 10-year rotation. By managing it in this traditional way, it allows wildlife and wildflowers to thrive. Bluebells and birdsong are present in the spring and Butterflies later in the year.

The western side of Thorney Island homes wildlife both sides of the sea wall. The interior nearest the marina used to be tidal but was enclosed in 1870. There are waterbirds here and the reed beds are alive in the summer with noisy warblers.

Thorney Island can be explored right round the perimeter but you must remain on the path as most of the island is restricted due to a military base. A public footpath follows the coastline around the island, but this allows no access to the interior of the island. This spot is popular with walkers and ornithologists as Chichester harbour is an internationally key area for migrating birds. The island is flat and rises to little above sea level.Unusual plants such as Golden Samphire (glossy leaves with yellow daisy flowers) develop on the sea wall. The walk west from Emsworth passes through a variety of habitats including woodland and freshwater marsh. There is an option of an inland route past Warblington Church.

You will find that walking around Chichester Harbour is always a pleasure. There are over 90km of public rights of way which go through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and various paths will take you right along the shoreline giving beautiful views of the water and harbour. Other walks will take you through unploughed farmland and through the charming harbour villages.Below is a link to descriptions of suggested walks:Suggested walks

There is an annual walking festival including walks in Chichester harbour: The 2010 festival will be held on the 4th- 7th May.Click here for more details